Alumnus Joe Paul (B.S. Social Science ’02) will visit Florida State University to lecture in the DeVoe L. Moore Center Conference Room (BEL 150E) about the ethics of AI on Thursday, January 30, at 2:30 p.m.
In “The Ethical Imperative of AI – Balancing Innovation and Responsibility,” Paul will explore the intersection of technological advancement and ethical responsibility. He will discuss how AI can drive innovation while addressing critical societal concerns, emphasizing the need for broad based and impartial AI practices.
“This lecture will provide actionable insights on how we can collectively shape the future of AI with integrity and accountability,” Paul said.
Paul’s talk kicks off COSSPP’s first Design Sprint, which will occur from Friday, January 31, to Saturday, February 1. The event’s topic is “Rapid Relocation: Enhancing Emergency Evacuation in Florida.” The Design Sprint will bring together FSU students to brainstorm creative solutions that will answer the question, “With coastal communities facing escalating threats from hurricanes and flooding, how might we promote better and more complete evacuation of individuals living near Florida’s coasts?” It is the first in a series of events in COSSPP’s new “AI for Social Good” initiative.
Paul is an accomplished leader in the innovation of artificial intelligence and ethical technology with over 20 years of experience in executive leadership, business transformation, strategy, and capacity building. As the Founder and CEO of OptimaNova AI, he has revolutionized how organizations implement and leverage AI to create impactful solutions.
Recognized with honors that include the SXSW Innovation Awards for Community Service in Tech, Alpha Phi Alpha’s National Brother of the Year, and Florida State University’s Black Alumni of the Year, Joe has also authored multiple books and led groundbreaking initiatives in education, healthcare, criminal justice, and workforce development. His work inspires innovation while championing ethical responsibility in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
During his time at Florida State, he was a former Student Government Vice President, Homecoming Chief, and President of the Seminole Club of Greater Washington, D.C. Paul is now a member of the FSU Alumni Association Board of Directors and actively gives back to the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy.
To learn more about the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences program, previously named Social Science, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/iss. For more information about the 2025 COSSPP Design Sprint, visit innovation.fsu.edu/rapid-relocation.